Andrew & Nikki

Andrew and Nikki's story begins on a day of new beginnings -- the first day of school. September 1992, in Mrs. Hoffman's kindergarten class at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Massapequa Park, NY. Growing up just 5 blocks apart and going to school together from K to 8th grade, Nikki and Andrew were part of each other's lives from the beginning. Little did we know that these seeds of friendship would one day blossom into a love that would bring us together for the rest of our lives.

For the next 18 years, our paths diverged. Andrew went to college in Boston and then moved to the west coast to pursue a career in technology. Nikki went to school in New York City and stayed there working in marketing. We went through life's ups and downs from a distance, but always keeping a faint eye on each other through social media and mutual friends.

Destiny struck in July, 2018. A chance interaction on LinkedIn while Andrew was on a trip to NY led to catching up after work at Houston Hall and an immediate (re)connection. We've talked every day since. Both of us were amazed at how familiar and comfortable we felt with each other. 18 years might have passed, but it was as if we recognized ourselves in each other. Some things are just meant to be.

As we began dating from across the country, we traded trips back and forth to Los Angeles and New York, getting to know each other all over again. We bonded over a shared passion for live music and marveled at how similar our journeys and experiences had been over the years where we'd lost touch. Both of us knew from the start that we'd found the person we wanted to share everything with.

In early 2020 the world shut down to deal with a global pandemic. Not knowing what the future would bring and thinking it better to be stuck together than apart, Andrew packed a suitcase and booked one of the last flights to NY. When airports shut down shortly afterwards we were suddenly roommates. In the midst of a time of tragedy, and confined to Nikki's Queens apartment with her 3 cats (Jackson, Murph, and Vega), we thrived. 4 months (and many board games) later, Nikki gave Andrew a ride home as we embarked on an epic cross-country road trip to LA.

When the time was right, Nikki took advantage of a work opportunity to relocate to LA and the rest is history. We've been fortunate to build our life together in a beautiful place as we've explored California and beyond. We're looking forward to all the adventures ahead and all the friends and family who've made it all possible.

Deciding to propose was the easiest thing Andrew has ever done. Deciding where to do it took some more thought. One place that stood out as special to both of them was the spectacular desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. Amidst the dramatic rock formations and a beautiful sunset, with a bottle of champagne and some of their favorite music playing, Andrew asked Nikki to marry him - and Nikki said yes.

Getting married at Our Lady of Lourdes in NY brings our story full circle. In the very building where we met 32 years ago, we begin a new chapter -- the blooming of a love story a lifetime in the making.